Interactions Between Surface Water and Groundwater: Key Processes in Ecological Restoration of Degraded Coastal Wetlands Caused by Reclamation

Abstract

Interactions between surface water and groundwater (SW-GW), composed of complex hydrological networks, maintain a dynamic balance between water regimes and salinity in coastal wetlands. Impacted by reclamation activity, however, changes in water regimes and salinity have resulted in wetland degradation. To mitigate such reclamation impacts on coastal wetlands, it is vital to understand the role of SW-GW interactions involved in maintaining the integrity of coastal wetlands. The objectives of this review were to: (i) outlining SW-GW interactions; (ii) addressing ecological responses to changes in water regimes and salinity; and (iii) exploring modeling techniques used to ascertain interactions between groundwater and coastal wetlands. Key findings are as follows: SW-GW interactions control water regimes and salinity while maintaining the integrity of coastal wetlands; the combined effects of water and salinity have an impact on ecological processes and patterns disturbed by hydrological pulses; and the distribution of physically-based models is an approach that can provide a profound means by which to understand the vital role in maintaining hydrological connectivity. Further research is required to fully reveal SW-GW interactions in maintaining coastal wetlands integrity and the mitigating effects reclamation has on coastal wetlands.